EnvironmentNPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94As part of Texas Public Radio's on-going focus on the environment, we are proud to bring the public and our members special events, stories and initiatives to help improve and draw attention to the city's health and environment.NPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94EnvironmentFri, 09 Dec 2016 04:05:55 +0000Environmenthttp://tpr.org
Mose Buchele, KUT News To say President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration has public health and environmental advocates worried may be an understatement. Like a lot of Republicans, Trump wants to roll back environmental protections and some people are already protesting his positions in the streets . But, beyond protest, how will these groups push their agendas under the next administration?As Environmentalists Prepare for President Trump, Some Look to Texas for Lessonshttp://tpr.org/post/environmentalists-prepare-president-trump-some-look-texas-lessons
79236 as http://tpr.orgFri, 02 Dec 2016 19:26:19 +0000As Environmentalists Prepare for President Trump, Some Look to Texas for LessonsDavid Martin DaviesThe recent discovery of a massive oilfield in West Texas has many in the region on edge. Some are anticipating on a flow of jobs to the area but others are concerned that the drilling will spoil the desert’s beloved springs. Scuba diving into the San Solomon Springs is like exploring a coral reef – except it’s in the middle of the West Texas Chihuahuan desert. The water is crystal clear and filled with fish. They swim right up to the divers and surround them. In a cave there are six large catfish who are less social. And 25 feet deep at the bottom the spring water is evident - jetting up through the sand - keeping the pool at a constant temperature.” “It’s heated by the springs – by the lava underneath so it’s about 72 to 76 degrees always,” said Edward Wiles. On this windy chilly day Wiles brought divers here from Fort Bliss for scuba certification. “It’s the only place here in Texas near El Paso that we have to come to. They allow us to use it for training and open water environmentWest Texas Oil Development Threatens Desert Springs http://tpr.org/post/west-texas-oil-development-threatens-desert-springs
78411 as http://tpr.orgSun, 13 Nov 2016 16:39:38 +0000West Texas Oil Development Threatens Desert Springs Texas Water Symposium The legal challenges that come with private property rights and Texas’ growing need for water were the topic of the most recent Texas Water Symposium, held on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin. Texas expected to double in population growth over the next 40-50 years, with most of the growth in cities, said Dr. Jay Banner in opening remarks before the panel. “Where will all these people—twice as many people as there currently are—get the water that they need?” he asked, noting the historic drought conditions the state has also endured. The panel’s moderator, Suzanne Schwartz, offered additional background, pointing out the fact that Texas owns the surface water of the state, but groundwater is privately owned. That has a lot of consequences, she said, including issues of private property rights against uncompensated takings. Listen to the below audio for: The differences between resources like oil & gas, and water Whether Texas will be able to meet its water needs forPopulation Growth Puts Pressure On Texas' Water Sourceshttp://tpr.org/post/population-growth-puts-pressure-texas-water-sources
78356 as http://tpr.orgFri, 11 Nov 2016 23:07:17 +0000Population Growth Puts Pressure On Texas' Water SourcesDavid Martin DaviesWhile climate change hasn’t been a major issue in this year’s presidential election, one could say it's on the ballot in the Texas 21st Congressional District race.Climate Change On The Ballot In Race For TX-CD 21: Lamar Smith vs. Tom Wakelyhttp://tpr.org/post/climate-change-ballot-race-tx-cd-21-lamar-smith-vs-tom-wakely
77879 as http://tpr.orgWed, 02 Nov 2016 15:57:25 +0000Climate Change On The Ballot In Race For TX-CD 21: Lamar Smith vs. Tom WakelyLouisa JonasThere’s a trend in San Antonio that seems to be on the rise and it isn’t good for people or the environment.Sheriff’s Office Steps Up Enforcement Of 'Rolling Coal'http://tpr.org/post/sheriff-s-office-steps-enforcement-rolling-coal
77796 as http://tpr.orgMon, 31 Oct 2016 22:36:49 +0000Sheriff’s Office Steps Up Enforcement Of 'Rolling Coal'editorAustin, Texas, is looking to cut back on energy use during the hottest times of year by requiring smart thermostats in new homes. Austin Energy, the city’s public utility company, is also offering rebates to customers who allow the company to access their thermostats and adjust them to save energy during peak use times. Deborah Kimberly , vice president of customer energy solutions at Austin Energy, talks about the benefits of smart thermostats with Here Why Austin Is Requiring Smart Thermostats In New Residential Buildingshttp://tpr.org/post/why-austin-requiring-smart-thermostats-new-residential-buildings
77780 as http://tpr.orgMon, 31 Oct 2016 18:37:49 +0000Why Austin Is Requiring Smart Thermostats In New Residential BuildingsNathan ConeA full house at the Pearl Stable was on hand to reflect on the legacy of the Edwards Aquifer Authority on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, and look to the future, at the San Antonio Clean Technology Forum ’s seventh annual Water Forum and luncheon. The morning opened with the presentation of the fifth annual Water For Life award, recognizing an individual in the region who has made a significant, water-related contribution to the quality of life in our community. There were seven finalists for the award, which was presented to Suzanne Scott, General Manager of the San Antonio River Authority . “We are so appreciative of her leadership,” noted presenter Nelson Wolff. “She understands [water] issues probably better than anyone else in this community,” he continued. In accepting the award, Scott praised her team, and encouraged all to be good stewards of our waterways. “They were here before we were here… they’re important to not only where we’ve been, but where we are going.” AfterThe History And Future Of The Edwards Aquifer Authorityhttp://tpr.org/post/history-and-future-edwards-aquifer-authority
76881 as http://tpr.orgWed, 12 Oct 2016 03:38:14 +0000The History And Future Of The Edwards Aquifer AuthorityTexas Water SymposiumThey may be small, but micro flora and fauna play a significant role in the ecosystem of Texas waterways. At the Texas Water Symposium on Thursday, September 1 in Kerrville, a panel of educators, researchers and ecologists shared their insights on the impact of human development on these small creatures, and explained their role in keeping our rivers and streams healthy. In the audio, you’ll learn in detail: Why our waters aren’t murky with fish poop. (Hint: small microorganisms help break down any potential buildup.) Whether it’s safe to drink water from streams, rivers and lakes. (It won’t kill you, but it’s not recommended.) The impact of pollutants on fresh-water mussels. The difference between urban and rural fresh-water quality, animal and plant life. All about brain-eating amoebas. They're scary--but very, very rare. Good advice: Don’t swim in where the water maintains a generally warm temperature, and “don’t swim in water with a lot of algae, or funky smelling water,” says TaraHow Micro-Flora & Fauna Contribute To Water Qualityhttp://tpr.org/post/how-micro-flora-fauna-contribute-water-quality
75312 as http://tpr.orgWed, 07 Sep 2016 13:50:39 +0000How Micro-Flora Sara SneathFrom Texas Standard : Texas oyster reefs have taken a beating over the past several years. It started with Hurricane Ike in 2008, followed by drought and then flooding. Now the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission is making some changes to how oysters are fished in Texas waters. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department field technicians dump a dredge full of oysters onto a boat in West Matagorda Bay. They’re counting dead and live oysters and looking for “spat” – or baby oysters less than an inch long. Wildlife department technician Caren Collins says the baby oysters are especially important. "The more spat you’re going to have on your reef the healthier … and you’re going to have a regrowth of population," Collins says. Collins is part of one of many teams of wildlife department technicians that survey oyster reefs up and down the state’s coast. These surveys help the department understand the health of the oyster crop and make decisions about when to close unhealthy reefs to fishing. InHow the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is Helping Oystershttp://tpr.org/post/how-texas-parks-and-wildlife-department-helping-oysters
75248 as http://tpr.orgMon, 05 Sep 2016 21:09:29 +0000How the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is Helping OystersEileen PaceState officials are again reminding Texas boaters to clean their boats before leaving a waterway to help cut down on the spread of zebra mussels, following the infestation in yet another Texas lake. Texas Parks and Wildlife officials reported Friday that the Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir near Belton in Central Texas has become infested with the invasive species. Survey sites throughout the reservoir all were documented on July 25 with zebra mussels infestations. The rapidly-producing mussels can clog public water-intake pipes, harm boats and motors, cover anything left under water, and litter beaches with their sharp shells. Since zebra mussels were first found in Texas in 2009, seven lakes in three river basins are now fully infested, meaning that they have an established, reproducing population. Boaters can help control the spread of zebra mussels by thoroughly cleaning, draining and drying their boats, motors and onboard receptacles as they exit waterways - before leaving for theZebra Mussels Take Over Another Texas Lakehttp://tpr.org/post/zebra-mussels-take-over-another-texas-lake
74106 as http://tpr.orgFri, 12 Aug 2016 22:12:36 +0000Zebra Mussels Take Over Another Texas LakeEileen PaceGalveston County health officials say it is safe to go in the water. It turns out, the flesh-eating bacteria reported in the news media this month was never the danger for the population at large that it seemed to be. Galveston County health officials have fielded hundreds of calls about flesh-eating bacterial infections – first, a Jacinto City man who got sick waited four days to go to the hospital and wound up losing a leg. Another person who was exposed became sick but did not suffer such extreme health consequences. Vibrio bacteria is always present at some level, and Scott Packard, a spokesman for the Galveston County Health District, says there’s no testing program required by the Environmental Protection Agency. “Vibrio bacteria is naturally present in salt and brackish water. So if you’ve ever been to the Gulf of Mexico – anywhere along the Gulf of Mexico whether it’s in Texas or any of the states in between here and Florida, or an ocean on the East or West Coast, you’veGalveston Health Officials Say Water Is Safehttp://tpr.org/post/galveston-health-officials-say-water-safe
71922 as http://tpr.orgThu, 30 Jun 2016 17:20:36 +0000Galveston Health Officials Say Water Is SafeScott HorsleyPresident Obama and his counterparts from Canada and Mexico are preparing to unveil an ambitious new goal for generating carbon-free power when they meet this week in Ottawa. The three leaders are expected to set a target for North America to get 50 percent of its electricity from nonpolluting sources by 2025. That's up from about 37 percent last year. Aides acknowledge that's a "stretch goal," requiring commitments over and above what the three countries agreed to as part of the Paris climate agreement. "We do ambitious well here at the White House," said spokesman Eric Schultz. Environmental advocates praised the new target. "Shifting half of America's electricity to clean energy sources is not only achievable — it's essential," said Rhea Suh, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council. "Avoiding the worst effects of climate change demands nothing less. But we must do it the right way, and that means ramping up our reliance on cost-effective renewable wind and solar power,Obama's New Clean Energy Goal For North America: 50 Percent By 2025http://tpr.org/post/obamas-new-clean-energy-goal-north-america-50-percent-2025
71770 as http://tpr.orgMon, 27 Jun 2016 22:52:21 +0000Obama's New Clean Energy Goal For North America: 50 Percent By 2025Eileen PaceIt's a free movie night for those interested in wildlife, especially on the San Antonio River! This evening is the San Antonio River Authority's Third Annual Environmental Film Fest in honor of National Rivers Month. The river authority conducts efforts throughout the year to help residents and visitors learn about the importance of the ecosystem on the San Antonio River and the surrounding areas. But this is a special event with SARA partnering with an international environment film festival to present several short films featuring national and international subject matter on nature, wildlife, conservation, environmental justice and adventure. SARA spokeswoman Yviand Serbones said the agency's educational and research project in the past have helped improve the river environment. One result has been the increase of volunteers picking up trash when it makes its way from north of San Antonio all the way to Olmos Basin or even the Mission Reach. And she said, there's a lot of trash. "WeSARA Shows Short Films In Thursday Night Environmental Film Festivalhttp://tpr.org/post/sara-shows-short-films-thursday-night-environmental-film-festival
70847 as http://tpr.orgThu, 09 Jun 2016 16:52:17 +0000SARA Shows Short Films In Thursday Night Environmental Film FestivalTexas Water Symposium“If you can’t cook ‘em, eat ‘em, or shoot ‘em, what the heck good are they?” was the subtext of a panel discussion held on the campus of Texas Tech University-Junction on May 18, 2016. The Golden-cheeked Warbler, several species of mussels, and Monarch butterflies were all brought up in the context of conservation and concerns over development in the Texas Hill Country. “What if we didn’t have the Endangered Species Act?” Dr. Tom Arsuffi asked at one point. “What would happen? Somebody has done a study, and there would be an 18% decline in the global economic output by the year 2050.” Arsuffi drew direct lines between conservation and economic development. “The benefits [of conservation] outweigh the costs one hundred fold,” he added. Arsuffi cited Robert Costanza’s 2014 study that estimates global ecosystem services at $125 trillion per year. In the audio link below, learn more about: The economic impact of Texas rivers and lakes The history of the Endangered Species Act The status ofExploring The Economic Impact Of Conservationhttp://tpr.org/post/exploring-economic-impact-conservation
69890 as http://tpr.orgThu, 19 May 2016 19:57:05 +0000Exploring The Economic Impact Of ConservationEileen PaceBexar County has signed an anti-pollution order that requires trucks and other heavy vehicles to stop idling their engines in the county. The move is an answer to new Environmental Protection Agency rules that limit ozone pollution to less than 70 parts per billion. County Commissioners Tuesday approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Alamo Area Council of Governments and the City of San Antonio for a court order prohibiting heavy vehicles from leaving their engines on idle. Bexar County Public Works Director Renee Green produced research showing that idling produces the maximum levels of emissions of all types. She says enforcement will be accomplished through education, much as the Ozone Action Days of the early 2000s. “These were days where we said, ‘Don’t fuel before six in the evening and don’t mow your lawn, combine your errands into one trip.’ And quite frankly, that was extremely successful. The public today actually does those things as second nature.” Bexar CountyBexar County Prohibits Large Vehicle Idlinghttp://tpr.org/post/bexar-county-prohibits-large-vehicle-idling
69128 as http://tpr.orgWed, 04 May 2016 16:38:47 +0000Bexar County Prohibits Large Vehicle IdlingMose BucheleTwenty-four states are suing to block the Obama administration from implementing its new clean power regulations — the cornerstone of a promise that the United States will reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming. Those rules come out of the Paris Climate Accord, which Secretary of State John Kerry plans to sign on Friday. Texas is one of the states leading the fight against the Clean Power Plan. If you ask almost any statewide office holder they'll tell you the plan is bad for the economy. Before Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton spoke publicly in October for example, his wife Angela introduced him with a song : "I'm a Pistol-Packin' Mama And My Husband Sues Obama." These days, Paxton is facing his own legal troubles on SEC fraud charges. But when it's him suing the federal government, it's often over EPA regulation. It may come as a surprise then, that energy companies here are not as unanimous in their opposition. That's because Texas' energy sector is transformingTexas Power Players Sit Out Political Opposition To Clean Power Plan http://tpr.org/post/texas-power-players-sit-out-political-opposition-clean-power-plan
68278 as http://tpr.orgSat, 16 Apr 2016 12:38:00 +0000Texas Power Players Sit Out Political Opposition To Clean Power Plan editorThe U.S. Geological Survey this week released a new earthquake hazard map that, for the first time, includes quakes resulting from man-made causes, rather than natural causes. Oklahoma tops the list of the states most vulnerable to human-induced quakes. Parts of it are now as earthquake-prone as California. Here Earthquake Hazard Map Includes Human-Caused Quakes For First Timehttp://tpr.org/post/earthquake-hazard-map-includes-human-caused-quakes-first-time
67334 as http://tpr.orgTue, 29 Mar 2016 22:08:07 +0000Earthquake Hazard Map Includes Human-Caused Quakes For First TimeTexas Water Symposium Whether the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer can meet the needs of a growing population in Texas was the question of the night at the Texas Water Symposium held on February 11, 2016 on the Texas State University campus in San Marcos. Texas State’s Geography Department, the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, and the Hill Country Alliance brought a group of aquifer scientists together to explore the topic. George Rice, a groundwater hydrologist with over 30 years of experience, noted early on that the draw on the aquifer from the four counties east of Austin alone is expected to increase “from around 25,000 acre-feet per year in the year 2000 to around 200,000 acre-feet per year in 2060.” Moderator Dr. Robert Mace asked, “Can the aquifer produce at that rate?” Hydrogeologist James Bené said the answer is yes, noting the aquifer holds hundreds of millions of acre-feet of water, ten times as much as all of Texas’ lakes put together. “It’s certainly true that the aquifer contains a hugeCan The Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer Serve The Long-Term Needs Of A Thirsty Region?http://tpr.org/post/can-carrizo-wilcox-aquifer-serve-long-term-needs-thirsty-region
64969 as http://tpr.orgFri, 12 Feb 2016 16:58:05 +0000Can The Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer Serve The Long-Term Needs Of A Thirsty Region?Joey PalaciosThe lead contamination of Flint Michigan’s water has caused communities around the country to wonder- could it happen here? The answer for San Antonio is that the San Antonio Water System believes its customers are safe. When the City of Flint began using water from the Flint River, it’s highly corrosive properties caused lead from pipes to leach into the water. Physicians found elevated lead levels in children. “It’s not an issue that would happen in our back yard,” says SAWS CEO Robert Puente. He says SAWS pipes are not made of lead. The system instead uses PVC and galvanized pipes. “We don’t just have one water source we have very different water sources and we already know what they do and they’re not new sources and we have experience with them. So if we go with one water source whether it’s the Edwards, Trinity, or Carrizo, we know what it does to our pipes.” But some homes may still have lead pipes. SAWS tests water samples daily. And Chief Operating Officer Steve Claus saysSAWS: San Antonio Would Not Experience Flint Crisishttp://tpr.org/post/saws-san-antonio-would-not-experience-flint-crisis
63807 as http://tpr.orgThu, 21 Jan 2016 15:07:34 +0000SAWS: San Antonio Would Not Experience Flint CrisisJim Malewitz, Texas TribuneIn another lawsuit against the federal Environmental Protection Agency, the state of Texas istaking aim at tightened standards on ground-level ozone — President Obama’s effort to cut down on smogthat chokes the nation’s skies. An ozone standard finalized in October shrank the previous 75 parts per billion limits on ozone to 70 parts per billion, putting pressure on some regions in Texas that struggled to meet the previous standards. The ozone rules aimto crack down on pollution coming from factories, power plants and vehicle tailpipes. Though the new regulation is more lenient than what environmentalists called for, Texas leaders quickly joined with industry in blasting the regulation, arguing that it will cost billions of dollars to invest in cleaner technology that will yield fewer health benefits. Now, the state has launched a legal attack— its 23rdlawsuit against the EPA since Obama took office in 2009. Attorney General Ken Paxton filed the latest challenge , which he announcedTexas Targets EPA Smog Rule in Latest Suithttp://tpr.org/post/texas-targets-epa-smog-rule-latest-suit
62739 as http://tpr.orgTue, 29 Dec 2015 16:43:42 +0000Texas Targets EPA Smog Rule in Latest Suit